Home inspections are often a crucial step in the moving process. Before doing any packing, buyers should strongly consider having a home inspection done. The hours-long walkthrough takes place once the seller accepts an offer, and it’s a survey of any and all issues that currently exist with the home. It’s important to know what to expect during a home inspection. The inspection is conducted by a professional hired by the buyer, and can be used as a contingency before closing on the home.
For both the buyer and seller, this process can be a bit daunting. How should a seller prepare the property, and what does the buyer do if there’s a hidden problem with their dream home? It’s important for everyone to feel comfortable with the decision to move forward with the sale. The goal is for the buyer to be satisfied once move-in day arrives.
Why Home Inspections?
As a buyer, bringing in a home inspector ensures that a home is fit for your family to move in. An old roof, fire hazard or gas leak are all risks that aren’t worth brushing aside. Aside from safety, home inspections are a great way to ensure more money isn’t spent as a result in the future. By being informed on any imperfection, the buyer has the power to create a plan of action. Is it a cosmetic issue, or a threat to your health and wellbeing? It’s definitely worth checking in on.
Even if the home is on the newer side, a home inspection is recommended. It can be nerve-wracking to look for everything that could possibly be wrong with the home, but it will save time, money, and worries down the road.
What’s a Home Inspection Contingency?
The home inspection contingency gives the buyer the opportunity to have the inspection take place before buying the home. The appointment will take place after the seller accepts the offer, but before the home sale is complete. Essentially, the sale is contingent on how the home inspection goes. The buyer then has time to assess any potential dangers or future cost of damage or repairs before closing.
On the other hand, sellers will be aware of anything that may become an obstacle for selling the home. Then, they can go ahead and weigh if they need to make the repairs first. This is key in making sure your house doesn’t take too long to sell.
Areas Covered in the Inspection
A thorough home inspection will examine both interior and exterior parts of the home. Parts of the home that will be inspected include heating, ventilation, HVAC systems, electrical, plumbing, foundation, and the roof. Not only will the buyer be informed of any potential risks, but the level of severity. This is great for deciding on how to go about repairs, and if it affects the decision to close on the home with the initial offer.
Some areas that won’t be checked during the walkthrough are the inside of walls, pipes, sewer lines, chimneys, and behind any electrical panels. This means the inspector won’t be cutting through any drywall to check for interior damage.
Home Inspection Etiquette and Tips
What do you do before and during the inspection? If you’re the buyer, don’t choose just any home inspector. Be sure to choose your own third-party option, and don’t just pick the first one you come across. Check the Better Business Bureau, and ask about experience and expertise before hiring. Be there for the inspection, but don’t be in the way of anything that needs to be checked.
On the seller’s end, there should be a level of preparation for the inspection. Ideally the home will be deep cleaned, and utilities should be left running. It’s also a great idea to test smoke detectors and any other kind of safety monitors.
Next Steps
Once the inspection is complete, expect that there will be at least something found. It’s nearly impossible for the home to be completely “perfect.” Now, the buyer has a few options to move forward with. If nothing major has been uncovered, the agreed upon offer can go through. If something’s not right, the buyer can then look into having it further inspected.
Negotiating the offer is always an option as well. Sometimes the buyer will request that the seller complete a repair before the sale is complete. Or, the offer amount may be slightly adjusted. Finally, it’s possible that the sale ultimately falls through if there’s a serious problem with the home.
Hire a White Glove Moving Company
If you’ve completed your home inspection and are looking to move, it might be time to look at moving company quotes. For the best experience, consider hiring a white glove moving company like Megan’s Moving. We can handle everything from moving your belongings into your new home to setting everything up. Schedule a consultation with one of our moving experts today!